Rain, pasture and lamb risk

Rain across the region has prompted Agriculture Victoria to remind sheep producers about the potential for trace-mineral deficiency diseases in lambs this year.

Agriculture Victoria senior veterinary officer Robert Suter said early-season rain welcomed by producers across the state should result in good pasture growth throughout the winter.

But he added that the flush of new pasture increased the likelihood of trace-mineral deficiency diseases in lambs born in winter and early spring.

Dr Suter said trace-mineral deficiencies could result from ewes grazing lush green feed during the last half of their pregnancy.

“These ewes are likely to have lambs with low or deficient levels of trace minerals selenium, copper, iodine and cobalt,” he said.

“Sheep ingest several essential trace minerals from soil intake. This usually occurs when ewes graze short pastures after a dry summer and before the autumn break.

“When there is a lot of early-season pasture growth, the intake of trace minerals via the soil is less likely to occur.”

Dr Suter said growing animals, such as lambs, also had a higher demand for trace minerals than adult sheep and were likely to suffer a dietary deficiency sooner.

He said trace minerals such as copper, cobalt, selenium and iodine were only required in small amounts but were still essential for optimal production, and for life.

Dr Suter said sheep producers in known deficient areas should review their trace mineral supplement strategies to ensure ewes had adequate levels to produce healthy lambs.

“Most of Victoria is iodine deficient and an appropriate time to supplement ewes is mid-pregnancy,” he said.

“A good time to do this pregnancy scanning.

“Special care must be taken with supplementing ewes with copper, as sheep can be easily killed with relatively small amounts of copper.”

More information and advice is available from veterinarians or Agriculture Victoria animal health and welfare staff. is at